Modular Multi-Axis Controller With Standardized Control Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-axis control systems lack versatility and design freedom, leading to increased size and cost due to rigid hardware configurations and limited compatibility between device units, which restricts their ability to control various work robots and applications effectively.

Innovation Solution

A controller configuration with independent control function circuits that communicate through interface standards, allowing each unit to perform specific control functions based on received signals, enabling customization and compatibility among units, thus enhancing design freedom and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rigid hardware configurations are used in existing multi-axis control systems, then system stability is maintained, but design freedom and versatility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedomVSAvoidhardware configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is divided into multiple independent control function circuits, each capable of performing specific control functions. These circuits can be independently configured and connected through standardized interfaces, allowing flexible system design without requiring rigid hardware configurations. Each circuit can be customized for specific control tasks while maintaining overall system stability through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control function circuits are designed with universal standardized interfaces that enable them to perform multiple control functions. By using standardized signal transmission protocols and interface specifications, the same circuit architecture can be applied to different control applications, significantly improving design freedom and versatility while reducing the need for custom hardware designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent control function circuits are used, then versatility and design freedom are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized interfaces act as intermediaries between independent control function circuits, providing a uniform method for signal transmission and data exchange. These standardized protocols simplify the integration process by establishing clear communication rules, reducing the complexity of connecting multiple independent circuits while maintaining their individual functionality and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If customized control units are implemented, then compatibility among units is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcustomization process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control function circuits are designed with configurable parameters that can be adjusted to match different control requirements. By changing software parameters, communication protocols, and interface configurations rather than physical hardware, customized control units can be manufactured using standard production processes, improving compatibility while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10946514B2Controller, work control unit, multi-axis motion control unit, and drive control unit
Publication Date: 2021.03.16 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • US10946514B2 patent drawing
  • US10946514B2 patent drawing
  • US10946514B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A controller includes control function circuits that are connected to each other and control a multi-axis control machine. Each of the control function circuits performs a respective control function upon receipt of a control signal from another control function circuit of the control function circuits, and the control signal corresponds to a predetermined interface standard determined from the control function.